by Mark Mayberry

Introduction

Birthday parties are special occasions, times of celebration and shared joy. Unfortunately, they may also result in tragedy and loss, as in the case of a young person reaching the age of 21, only to celebrate by getting drunk and, by driving under the influence of alcohol, cause a deadly automobile accident.

The heartrending death of John the Baptist occurred in connection with King Herod’s birthday party (Matt. 14:3-12; Mark 6:17-29). A son of Herod the Great, Herod Antipas was tetrarch over Galilee and Perea from 4 B.C. to A.D. 39.

Preparing the way for the coming Savior, John preached a message of repentance (Matt. 3:1-6; Mark 1:1-6; Luke 3:1-6; John 1:19-23). He courageously rebuked the hypocrisy of wayward Israel, especially their corrupt religious leaders (Matt. 3:7-10; Luke 3:7-9). He also rebuked Herod for all the wicked things which he had done, especially the sinful relationship he shared with Herodias, the rightful wife of his brother Philip, whom he had wrongfully married. As a result, Herod had John arrested, bound, and imprisoned (Matt. 14:3-5; Mark 6:17-20; Luke 3:19-20).

A Lascivious Dance
When Herod’s birthday came, the tetrarch gave a banquet for his lords, military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. The daughter of Herodias danced before Herod, pleasing him and his dinner guests (Matt. 14:6-7; Mark 6:21-23). Unnamed in Scripture, she is identified as “Salome” in the writings of Flavius Josephus (Antiquities 18.136-137 ).

Here we see the danger of lasciviousness. Salome’s dance shared nothing in common with the dancing of Miriam and the women who celebrated God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt. Their actions were an expression of heartfelt worship (Exod. 15:20-21; Psa. 150:3-6); in contrast, her actions were an expression of sensuality (Gal. 5:19-21; Rom. 13:13-14).

A Rash Oath
King Herod, likely intoxicated by wine, and clearly intoxicated by desire, promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked, up to half of his kingdom (Matt. 14:6-7; Mark 6:21-23).

Here we see the danger of rash promises. Remember Jephthah’s tragic vow (Judg. 11:29-40). Recall Moses’ reckless boast (Num. 20:8-13; Psa. 106:32-33). The Law of Moses warned against uttering thoughtless oaths (Lev. 5:4-6; Prov. 12:18). The Gospel of Christ enjoins similar verbal caution (Col. 4:6; James 5:12).

A Vindictive Queen
Herodias demonstrated vindictiveness, using this unexpected opportunity to exact revenge upon one she hated (Matt. 14:8-10; Mark 6:24-26). Sadly, such opposition is common to all who stand for the truth (Matt. 10:21-23; John 15:18-25).
A Hapless King
Herod demonstrated haplessness, being grieved because of his oath, but willing to sacrifice John to save face (Matt. 14:8-10; Mark 6:24-26). Wicked men are often weak, unable to control their carnal desires, unwilling to stand for what is right (Psa. 106:10-15; Hos. 6:4).

A Gruesome Prize
Herodias received her gruesome prize, the severed head of John the Baptist upon a platter (Matt. 14:11; Mark 6:27-28). In this regard, she is like Queen Jezebel of old, who destroyed the prophets of the Lord, and threatened Elijah with death (1 Kings 18:1-16; 19:1-8).

Despite such perils, the Lord stands beside the faithful: strengthening, delivering, vindicating (Psa. 94:17-23). On an earlier occasion, Jesus offered a glowing tribute to John the Baptist, praising his courage and conviction (Matt. 11:7-15).

Conclusion
Note the aftermath for the disciples. They took away John’s body and buried it. Afterwards, they went and reported these events to Jesus. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while” (Matt. 14:12-13; Mark 6:30-31; Luke 9:10).

The aftermath for Herod was quite different (Luke 9:7-9; 13:31-35; 23:8-12). Being perplexed by the preaching of the gospel and the related miracles of confirmation (Luke 9:7-9), he sought to kill Jesus Christ (Luke 13:31-35). At the trial of Jesus, Herod manifested mocking contempt for our Lord, being more interested in trivialities than a just outcome (Luke 23:8-12).

Despite having heard John on repeated occasions, Herod rejected the truth and died in sin. Avoiding this tragic mistake, let us respond positively to God’s message of grace, knowing that God’s kindness should lead to our repentance (Rom. 2:4-11). Accordingly, let us not receive the grace of God in vain, but respond in obedience, while there is time and opportunity: now is the acceptable time, behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:1-2).

Mark Mayberry
markmayberry@outlook.com